Coventry's Markets

The photo displays a sense of defiance about the tower, with the ruins encompassing it.

They knew how to build them in those days, Foxcote and 'defiance' is the right word for it.

The original City Arcade is also visible in that picture (left hand side) and remained in use until around 1953.

Yes, I did spy that Dutchman but was not sure what the building was. I suppose it did well then to last till 1953. (I see you are up with the larks again this morning). Have a good day. It was 35 degs., here yesterday, slightly warm I would say.

Here's a 1941 painting of the clock tower: LINK

Has anyone ever worked out the exact standing point of the tower? I'm guessing it would have been somewhere in the middle of West Orchards shopping centre?

Hi Neil, The old market tower would've stood just at the back of the Hotel Leofric.... whoops, sorry - the Travelodge! If you look at 1937 or before on my maps page, the tower stood just above the letter 'M' for Market Place - then you can click on the aerial view to see where it would now be. The view below is Market Street looking from Smithford Street.

Brilliant Rob, cheers I've seen that photo of yours before and to this day still cannot relate that is Coventry city centre. Looks like a film set! Fantastic. So where would the photographer have been to take that shot? Upstairs in a shop on Smithford Street?

The people looking up at the camera suggest it's a lot closer than the other side of Smithford Street.

View from Roof of Market towards St. Johns

Before and after shots.

^^^I'm afraid that's nothing like the market hall, it's the city arcade which was badly damaged in the blitz but survived for many years afterwards. This is the market hall: Pictures of Coventry

You may be right again Dutchman. The roof bars do look different in both pics, Although the lower pic does give details of only the clock tower remaining.. Your picture of the newly built market hall does not give a date. The iron work on the roof suggests it was a very impressive building.